What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition characterized by painful lumps under the skin. These pea-sized to marble-sized lumps often grow in places where skin rubs together, such as in the armpits, the groin or between the buttocks. The condition is also known as acne inversa, but it's more painful and disruptive to daily life than common acne. Lumps caused by hidradenitis suppurativa rupture from time to time, leaving behind wounds that drain foul-smelling pus and cause disfiguring scars.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common in women. It's also more likely if you smoke, have certain diseases of the bowel or have metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that occur together, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Hidradenitis suppurativa typically shows up for the first time during late adolescence and worsens over time, but it takes an average of seven years before it's correctly diagnosed and treated. However, treating hidradenitis suppurativa early can help manage symptoms and prevent new wounds from developing.

Dec. 29, 2018 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Acne
  2. Acne scars: What's the best treatment?
  3. Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing?
  4. Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern?
  5. Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it?
  6. Antidepressants: Can they stop working?
  7. Antidepressants: Side effects
  8. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you
  9. Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?
  10. Atypical antidepressants
  11. Can zinc supplements help treat hidradenitis suppurativa?
  12. Hidradenitis suppurativa wound care
  13. Clinical depression: What does that mean?
  14. Clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa
  15. Coping with the stress of hidradenitis suppurativa
  16. Creating a hidradenitis suppurativa care team
  17. Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
  18. Depression, anxiety and exercise
  19. What is depression? A Mayo Clinic expert explains.
  20. Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
  21. Depression (major depressive disorder)
  22. Depression: Supporting a family member or friend
  23. Excessive sweating
  24. Hidradenitis suppurativa
  25. Hidradenitis suppurativa and biologics: Get the facts
  26. Hidradenitis suppurativa and diet: What's recommended?
  27. Hidradenitis suppurativa and sleep: How to get more zzz's
  28. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Tips for weight-loss success
  29. Hidradenitis suppurativa: When does it appear?
  30. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Where can I find support?
  31. Living better with hidradenitis suppurativa
  32. Male depression: Understanding the issues
  33. Managing hidradenitis suppurativa: Early treatment is crucial
  34. Hidradenitis suppurativa-related health risks
  35. MAOIs and diet: Is it necessary to restrict tyramine?
  36. Marijuana and depression
  37. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  38. Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
  39. Nervous breakdown: What does it mean?
  40. Nonprescription acne treatment: Which products work best?
  41. Pain and depression: Is there a link?
  42. Reducing the discomfort of hidradenitis suppurativa: Self-care tips
  43. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  44. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  45. Staying active with hidradenitis suppurativa
  46. Surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa
  47. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa: Explore your options
  48. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa with antibiotics and hormones
  49. Treatment-resistant depression
  50. Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants
  51. Vitamin B-12 and depression
  52. What are the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?